Handcrafted product sales are on the increase and for good reason. The flood of poor quality Far East products, fuelled by cheap prices and unrealistic claims that don't hold up, has pushed consumers to look for alternatives in the marketplace. The expression 'handmade is best' has rung true for decades, but never more so than now.

So, why is it better buying 'handmade'?

True handmade products are few and far between and the correct term now should be 'handcrafted' as most products use an element of technology or machine manufacturing which, in itself, is also highly skilled, but handcrafted is good for the environment. Less fuel and energy is used to produce and transport the products making it more efficient.

If you're a regular buyer of handcrafted products, give yourself a pat on the back! :-) You're helping to support a local business and create jobs. People tend to value a...

The designer

My name is Tracy and I'm based just outside Glasgow. I work from my small studio and hand craft all my pieces. I work with a range of precious metals: Sterling & Argentium Silver and Gold. I love adding texture to my pieces using a variety of techniques, with stunning results, and the addition of beautiful gemstones never hurts! My design process is creative in that a lot of my pieces evolve as I'm making them! Have a look at the image gallery for some of my recent work.

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A diamond ring bought for £10, 30 years ago at a car boot sale at West Middlesex Hospital in Isleworth, London has been sold at auction by Sotheby’s for £656,750!

The owner wore the ring regularly on an almost daily basis over the years but was unaware that the stone was in fact a 26 carat diamond, believing instead that it was just a bit of costume jewellery because the mount was in a poor condition.

It’s true value was identified after the owner took it to Sotheby’s and they valued it at £350,000.

Nice little windfall!

Looking to buy handmade jewellery?

Well, here are a few reasons why you’re thinking in the right direction:

You’re Supporting Real People

When you buy a necklace from a large company, knowing where your money is going can be especially hard, however, when you invest in handcrafted jewellery, you’re connecting with a real artist. Regardless of whether you know the artist in person or you just have a feeling that you know them after learning their story, you know that you’re doing your part to help them.

You Become...